We want to book tkts to Singapore, and ultimately Bali, and we can likely get a relatively good price on SIA flights in economy, JFK-SIN via Frankfurt. The EWR -SIN flts are way more money. Has anyone taken these SIA flts on the 747s they use? From what I can see the feedback for economy is very mixed as far as seat room and the like.

We've previously done the Thai non stop from JFK to BKK and that was great but the pricing on Thai, with connections to Bali, may we may more. Thanks.

I honestly have never had a 'bad' flight with Singapore Airlines, whether Business or Coach/Economy. Most of my recent flights have been on the 777 but on 747s in previous years I have found found them just 'great'. Food and service is good plus the excellent in seat entertainment.

For Singapore or BKK did you check fares with Emirates or Etihad ? Emirates have the non stops to Dubai and Etihad non stops to Abu Dhabi, both offering onwards to Singapore, on Emirates though just try and avoid the 777 in Coach as they put in 10 seats across instead of the 9 across that nearly everyone else does. But those only get you to Singapore and you would need to change carrier to Bali.

Qatar Airways fly via Doha to Bali, it's one stop to Doha from NYC ( not sure if JFK or EWR ) but they have a daily IAD-Doha non stop, I don't know if you are in the NYC area or using those flights as convenient. But that's no use if you plan to visit Singapore as well.
If you do not have to go to Singapore perhaps Qatar Airways might offer some good deals. Doha , Dubai and Abu Dhabi all ok if you want to break the journey with a stopover, note though that only Qatar can do do you 'same airline' through to Bali out of those.

I think if you did the Thai non stop you will find via FRA a very long haul.

I 'think' Scandinavian has a Premium Coach product now, via Copenhagen is 'easy' as a transit point, but they only go into Bangkok, so you'd have the same connection issue.

Thank you James.

I have some SIA FF miles I want to try to use. I would use some for a "free" tkt and then purchase others. The info Re: the Frankfurt flight not being that bad is helpful. Yet, as you say, I fear we were spoiled by the TG non stop. I am trying to see if there's an easy way to get miles into my TG account, mostly from AMEX. It doesn't seem an easy transfer.

We are looking for summer travel. When I put in potential dates on the Qatar website a fare won't price out for me. Maybe it is too far in advance?

And, I assume Singapore is worth a few days on the way to Bali? Thanks again.

Hi tengohambre -

Yes, Singapore is worth a few days on the way to Bali.

I'm assuming that the EWR-SIN flight is "way more" because it's Premium Economy, which is worlds better than SIN coach. I frequently fly SIN-LAX on SIA in Premium Economy and I feel it's well worth the extra $. It's the most comfortable you're going to get short of flying business class.

I've found SIA coach seats to be pretty uncomfortable, but the in-flight entertainment and service far exceed any other airline I've flown.

Just an idea:

Why not give SQ (Singapore Airlines ) a call and see what can be done with those miles, I am not experienced much with 'miles' with other carriers other than here in Asia but found SQ to be very good, now I have no idea how other airlines works but with SQ in so much as your mileage is credited and can be used 'immediately', so once you fly a sector even if you plan to fly the next day those miles you have picked up can go straight to any upgrades ( subject to seats available ).

I would also compare say getting a cheaper option to Singapore and then perhaps using those miles for seats Sin-Bali - or getting a budget flight?

I would guess by next year Qatar Airways will be flying non stop from NYC to Doha, from Doha to Bali it stops in Kuala Lumpur, so you could do a stopover there.
I am only suggesting those as I would guess like elsewhere they have 'very good' fares in addition to excellent service. It is worth finding some agent who deals with them and finding what fares were this summer will give you a reasonable idea of what to expect.

Perhaps there is a consolidator travel agent in your area that deals with Asia and would have good fares with those carriers.

I think some of the regulars on the Asia Forum side have some numbers in the NYC area for agents who specialize in cheap fares to Asia, I know many in LAX area have been mentioned and I am sure some have mentioned some good ones around the East Coast, and check those Gulf carriers.

You may also find anyone who has done the via FRA routing.

Thanks. I will call some agents before I book. Also, Vayama seemed to have some good fares.

The stop over idea (even in Doha or Dubai) would be fun. And I will aim for a few days in Singapore. Also, I am hoping that SIA might upgrade their aging 747s soon. If not, I will focus on the price difference on the SIA non-stop versus the one stop in Frankfurt. We are four people so the price may really add up.
Tengo.